Chapter 28

Coming from the hold was a familiar face. It was Artis Minsk.

Artis was one of the three that had challenged Lark and I, but unlike the other two, he had seen the error of his ways after the battle, and prior to being forced to, had submitted himself before us and apologized.

"Hello Sophia! Hello Lark."

I waved 'hi' back. Lark, also stunned, was still too fearful and seasick to react so he stayed attached to the mast.

Artis then smiled. "Bela says 'hi' too."

I blinked. Then i felt it.

Parasites could sense eachother. It was how we were able to see who was a carrier, and ensure we did not try to dual populate a host. And I could sense Artis was telling the truth. He did indeed have a passenger. Her presence was weaker than mine, which meant she was most likely just a passenger. She did not have additional control over his vital systems like I needed with Lark.

"Artis, what do you mean you are my 'shield bearer'?"

"Well, after my defeat, I said I would serve you, remember? I submitted to volunteering for a passenger, and then spoke my intent to Sute. It seems it worked out perfectly because when Royalty is adopted, historically the crown would always assign a skjoldbaerer. So Bela and I have become the shield bearers for you too."

I was taken aback. I had never thought that Lark and I would have a retainer.

"Is our acceptance an option?" I whispered to Hassan.

"Not really. Declining a retainer would mean he is considered untrustworthy, and its almost as bad as being marked Fremmed."

I paused. "Alright Artis. What does a a shield bearer do? I don't mean historically, but what are the extent of your duties to us?"

Artis smiled, "Well, its like having a soldier underneath you. But I am also a personal attendant and secretary. So I assist with schedules, ensure meals are prepared, coordinate with any services or staff that are required, and mostly work with the attendants of foreign dignitaries to ensure a smooth experience when moving between different cities or countries.

I have already studied up on King Jeffrey and the Kingdom of Thul, and I have prepared packets for our arrival."

I looked at Artis, "What can you tell me of our destination?"

Artis smiled. "The Kingdom of Thul had a bit of an unorthodox start. It was originally a fairly large town from the Grand Woods Alliance, GWA, that had decided to escape their nation. After finding a copy of the Manual of Foundation, they set off for a foreign land. They happened to settle initially on a cliff between a monster infested field and plateau. Their first entrance, which has now been shuttered, was always hidden, and they had scraped away a meager existence for almost a decade prior to meeting Haven.

Back then, the larger nations of this continent liked to snuff out upstart nations, so King Jeffrey, previously village chief Jeffrey, asked for the boon 'isolationist' when he started his country. Because of this, he was never detected, however the few trade caravans that they set out were almost always attacked by 'brigands' and soon enough they had stopped trade. They had their announcement rites, but being 'isolationist' were not required to host a banquet, but simply let the other leaders know they existed.

Prior to meeting Haven, Thul was in slow decline. They tended to be tamers and beastmasters, but a city on the cliffs is treacherous, and their child mortality rate was rather high.

This all changed when King Jeffrey was invited to Haven's announcement rites. While most of the other nations acted belligerent towards Haven, Jeffrey did not, and even tried to tempt Lord Serin with the hand of his daughter.

Although that offer was declined, The Kingdom of Thul became the first nation to ally with Serin. This does not discount the golden queen of the glassback mountains, but even to this day, that is a treaty, not an alliance.

Initially, Haven helped with Thul's infrastructure and food shortages, and quickly established a floating embassy. To this day, the trade of materials is unique. Haven exports to Thul spices, weapons, academy slots, luxury goods, foods, and magical devices. Haven imports totems."

I was stunned. This was a perfect summary of the historical events as I could now recall. And it answered most of my questions.

"Artis, that is thorough, but there is only a single piece of paper in this scheduling packet you handed us."

"Oh yes," Artis smiled, "It should say 'Follow the Queen's lead'. King Jeffrey likes to tend to his guests personally since there are so few in Thul. We might be tourists, but they will see us as celebrities because of our appearance."

"Ah" I noted. It would be an interesting trip.

Hassan interrupted us. "We have been given permission to enter the land."

During the discussion, I hadn't noticed, but the area we travelled towards became covered in fog.

"Hassan, how do you know where we are going in this fog?"

Hassan smiled, "I was given permission. Plus there are the guiding lights."

I could see sets of blinking lights on either side of the floating ship. "As long as the pilot stays between these lights we won't crash." Hassan commented.

They really were protected from outsiders.

An interesting trip, indeed.